Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 4
August 1st, 2012 by Christen
If you’re looking for the genuine New Orleans experience, look no further. Earlier this summer, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. As a native (of sorts), my lineage has roots in the Crescent city, however my experience is limited as I’ve only been to New Orleans once before at the age of 9. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. Check out the final installment of ‘Escape To New Orleans’ airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 3
July 23rd, 2012 by Christen
If you’re looking for the genuine New Orleans experience, look no further. Earlier this summer, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. As a native (of sorts), my lineage has roots in the Crescent city, however my experience is limited as I’ve only been to New Orleans once before at the age of 9. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. Check out the third installment of ‘Escape To New Orleans’ airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 2
July 17th, 2012 by Christen
Missing all the fun, excitement, music & entertainment of Essence Music Festival? Don’t worry. Escape To New Orleans episode 2 is here! Recently, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. From the Pralene Connection to the French Market and the haute nightlift of Frenchmen street - Check out the second of four webisodes airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Refresh Your Summer Style With Coca Cola & June Ambrose
July 11th, 2012 by ChristenOver the weekend two special Essence Music Festival fans were treated to an intimate style refresh compliments of Coca Cola and haute style guru – June Ambrose. Coca-Cola launched their “Style Refresh”contest, where two festival attendees text-to-win and were announced via the Essence Music Festival mainstage. We caught up to June backstage at EMF right after the Style Refresh winners were announced to talk EMF Fashion Do’s, Don’ts and the one must-pack item for next year’s festival.
June Ambrose Backstage at Essence Music Festival after announcing Coca Cola Style Refresh Winners
On EMF Fashion Don’ts & Dos…
“I have turned a blind eye to the fashion don’ts seen during Essence Music Festival, however you can never go wrong with a flowy maxi dress during Essence Music Festival. That’s the one item that every girl needs to have in their suitcase for next year…” – June Ambrose
On Over-doing the maxi-dress trend…
“Try optional maxi looks, for example the mullet look (a maxi dress that is short in the front and long in the back) – it gives you a great alternative look while embracing the comfort and feel of a maxi.” - June Ambrose
The very next day, each winner received a shopping and styling experience with June Ambrose at Saks Fifth Avenue in New Orleans. We got the chance to meet with both winners as they shared their personal style, fashion consultation with June and what they had learned though this amazing experience. Check out the Coca Cola Style Refresh Press event where June talks style, motherhood & stilettos below…
:: VIDEO COMING SOON ::
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- June Ambrose Backstage at Essence Music Festival after announcing Coca Cola Style Refresh Winners
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- Coke June Ambrose EMF PRESS JUNKET 2012
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- June Ambrose
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- June Ambrose expresses her love of HI/LO style
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- Coca Cola Style Refresh Winner talks about what she’s learned
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- June Ambrose and Coca Cola Style Refresh Winner discuss style
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- Refreshing Style compliments of June Ambrose & Coca Cola
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- June Ambrose & DeeDee Faison strike a pose!
Ursula Stephen: The Name Behind the Divalicious Do’s
July 11th, 2012 by Tiffany
There’s no escaping the infamous do’s by Ursula Stephen; Everyone has seen them. She is indeed the mastermind behind the most daring celebrity hairstyles right now. Divas and Dorks caught up to her during EssenceFest at the Motions Style Bar during a makeover giveaway. Excited to ask the creator of the most notorious hair styles about the inspiration and drive that has produced a buzz in the entertainment industry, I had to know how she got started.
Living in Atlanta I have many good friends that do hair. How did you get started doing hair?
-- “I did hair in high school, and when I graduated it was the only thing I was really interested in. I didn’t know what else to do. It was the ONLY thing interesting to me. I thought, ‘If I was a stylist mad people would love me’.”
She was definitely right about that one.
So what did you do to get to the point you are at now? What would you tell these other aspiring ladies out here?
--”I went to cosmotology school after high school in Brooklyn. I just surrounded myself with everything hair. I did everyone’s hair. Sometimes for free just to prove to them that I was good. I always wanted more. I was always looking for a challenge.” Her advice: Just that. Always want more, surround yourself with your talent, and continue looking for the next challenge.
Ursula Stephen started with other celebrities like Remy Ma, Kandi Burruss, and Keyshia Cole. More recently she has worked with Kerry Washington, Jill Scott, Michelle Williams, and of course Rihanna. But when was her big break?
When did you realize you were that chick in the hair industry?
–(Laughs) -”Rihanna was definitely my big break.”
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I have to know, was the vibrant red color your idea? Or Rihanna’s?
–”I came up with the idea to do red hair a while before she finally decided to do it. At first she was a little hesitant, but one day she just came to me and said she wanted to do it. The shade of red she chose was a little brighter than I had expected… but it looked great!”
Ursula pointed out that Rihanna “trusts me completely” which allows for her to be creative and express herself.
I had to know: Which of your divas is the most technologically savvy? Or prone to always have the newest gadgets?
“Well all of them have their gadgets… but I would have to say that Kerry Washington is exceptionally smart. I will throw that out there; Most people wouldn’t expect that. But she is extremely smart. Like blow your mind smart. She has worked alongside the president in the White House.”
Special thanks to Ursula Stephen for taking the time to talk to Divas and Dorks, she is such a humble, talented individual!
Interested in winning a Motions StyleBar gift set filled with products, styling tools and more? Comment below: Which of Ursula’s clients have the best versatile style, or who would you like to see push their style to the limits more often?
Check out some of Ursula’s infamous celebrity styles in the gallery below…
#Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless and Power Your Network!
July 10th, 2012 by ChristenDuring the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA over the holiday weekend – Verizon Wireless kept busy hosting several events celebrating life’s journeys ending with a celebration of your story.
In honor of Verizon’s “Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network” campaign Verizon Wireless held a media brunch at the legendary New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase. The campaign, launched earlier this year in and effort to celebrate black history month beyond February, spotlights seven influential African-American leaders, including the 3 Doctors, Pastor Marvin Sapp, actor Laz Alonso, trailblazers in sports Tia Norfleet and Malcolm Jenkins, Dr. Steve Perry & DJ Beverly Bond. Throughout the dinner, Laz Alonso shared his story on how he’s constantly building his life brick by brick from BET to becoming an acclaimed actor in ‘Avatar’ and details on his upcoming NBC show.
During an afternoon of empowering conversation, candid stories of strength, tenacity and the will to build, grow and continue on the road to success – both Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp shared words of wisdom and memorable moments.
Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
Guest media enjoyed intimate conversations with Laz Alonso, Marvin Sapp, Verizon executives and more over an authentic New Orleans buffet-style brunch consisting of Gumbo, Mac & Cheese, Fried Fish, Shrimp, Grits and more! The afternoon concluded with a surprise Verizon gift which included a Verizon Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone. (Find out how you can win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE below…)
Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon’s Celebrating Your Story
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- Verizon Brunch at the legendary Dooky Chase Restaurant
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- Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp prepare to speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon shares the inspiration behind the “Celebrate Your Story” campaign
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- Verizon Brunch is served at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Marvin Sapp
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Laz Alonso
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Roland Martin, Marvin Sapp, Laz Alonso & owner Leah Chase
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- Verizon Brunch Media guests at Dooky Chase
{Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell}
How would you like to win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone (Valued at $359.99). It’s EASY!
Simply comment below and share your accomplishment or story that you’d like to celebrate and you’re entered to win. IT’S THAT EASY! We will select the best story on July 27th 2012.
****UPDATED****
CONGRATULATIONS APRIL! YOU’RE THE WINNER OF THE #Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless PRIZE PACK!
****UPDATED****
Taking The Next Step in Life With Chaka Khan and the Verizon SuperLife Graduation
July 10th, 2012 by ChristenDuring the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA over the holiday weekend – Verizon Wireless kept busy hosting several events celebrating life’s journeys starting with a celebration of women making it to the next level in life with the Verizon SuperLife Graduation.
One year ago, Chaka Khan’s The Chaka Khan Foundation in conjunction with the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies and ESSENCE partnered on the SuperLife Transformation Program™, an in-depth life and community-altering transformation process for deserving women who wished to accomplish their lifelong goals. To launch the program, these women first gathered at the 17th annual Essence Music Festival and met with Chaka Khan and author/inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant before embarking on an extraordinary journey of personal and community improvement. Now one year later, each of these women returned to where their journey began—on the Essence Empowerment Experience stage at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Chaka Khan performs ‘I’m Every Woman’ at the Verizon SuperLife Graduation
“The SuperLife Transformation program has been an oasis of optimism as these women whom we celebrate are likely to become the entrepreneurs and leaders that this country needs,” says Chaka Khan, 10-time GRAMMY winner and Founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation. “After witnessing their transformations in the past year then to come full circle and commemorate their triumphs in this wonderful and memorable occasion will be one of my fondest days to remember.”
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- SuperLife Graduation stage
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- The SuperLife Graduates are ready to cross that stage
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- Chaka Khan performs ‘I’m Every Woman’ at the Verizon SuperLife Graduation
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- Chaka Khan, Dr. Denese Shervington, Essence President Michelle Ebanks
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- Chaka Khan, Essence Staff & SuperLife graduates post for a class photo…
Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell
Celebrities Celebrate Everyday Heroes At McDonalds #365Black Awards
July 9th, 2012 by Christen
Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
As apart of my Essence Music Festival experience in New Orleans this past weekend, I got the opportunity to celebrate phenomenal, everyday heroes at the McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards. Entertainers, professional athletes, political figures and hundreds of citizens from across the nation packed the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans Friday for the 2012 McDonald’s 365Black Awards, an annual event honoring outstanding African-Americans who are making positive contributions to the community. Hundreds of guests attended the ninth annual ceremony honoring multi-platinum and 10-time GRAMMY® winning recording artist Chaka Khan; global humanitarian, best-selling inspirational author/entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes; GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Tamia and husband, All-Star NBA® player, Grant Hill; teenage medical innovator Tony Hansberry, II; youth empowerment activist Mary-Pat Hector; and McDonald’s owner/operators, Tina and Harold Lewis.
Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
“Helping others and giving back are critical components to making our community stronger, and it was moving to witness the number of celebrities and community members who supported the event,” said Chaka Khan, founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation. “I am humbled I was chosen to receive the 365Black Award with such an amazing group of individuals who also embrace community service. I commend McDonald’s for their ongoing efforts to make community service a priority.”
Khan closed the ceremony with a surprise performance. Singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius, national television journalist Roland Martin, entertainment correspondent Janell Snowden and R&B singer Tank were among celebrities on-hand at the ceremony hosted by actor Laz Alonso. GRAMMY winning gospel star Fred Hammond, GRAMMY-nominated artists Melanie Fiona and Eric Benet, and hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh also performed to help pay tribute to the honorees. A great time was had by all!
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- Fred Hammond sings during McDonald’s 365 Black Awards
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- Laz Alonso Hosts 365Black Awards
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- MC Lyte on Red Carpet
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- Marsha Ambrosius on Red Carpet
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- Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
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- Melanie Fiona Performs at 365Black
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- McDonald’s 365 Black Awards Red Carpet
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- McDonalds 365 Black Awards Banner
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- Al Sharpton & Honoree Mary-Pat Hector
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- Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
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- TD Jakes Accepts 365Black Award
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- R&B Singer & 365 Awards presenter Tank
Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell & DivasandDorks.com
Essence Music Festival: Escape To New Orleans Ep. 1
July 5th, 2012 by Christen 
If you’re looking for the genuine New Orleans experience, look no further. Recently, I got the chance to explore the city, alongside Nate from WorldWideNate.com to get a bona fide experience of what New Orleans, Louisiana truly has to offer. As a native (of sorts), my lineage has roots in the Crescent city, however my experience is limited as I’ve only been to New Orleans once before at the age of 9. Thanks to the Ford Escape – I got the chance to escape to New Orleans and experience the rich history, delicious food & a certain je ne sais quoi – that’s authentic, only in New Orleans. Check out the first of four webisodes airing on Essence.com this week – below.
Divas On Destinations: Getaway to New Orleans For Essence Music Festival
July 4th, 2012 by Christen
Something Old, Something New, Something for the Spirit & For Your Do’! The ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation’s largest African American live musical and cultural experience. Every year over 400,000 people from around the world descend upon New Orleans for the only music festival that offers show-stopping performances from top entertainers, free inspiring andempowering conversations and messages from the world’s leading innovators, leaders, and thinkers, plus four days of family and cultural experiences: the ESSENCE Music Festival. This year, in its 18th year anniversary, the 2012 ESSENCE Musical Festival presents a newly expanded four day weekend celebrating the “Power of Our Voice” on July 5, 6, 7 and 8 with compelling programming featuring the biggest names in entertainment and the country’s most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. Check out a few of the hottest activities to experience this weekend while out with the girls in New Orleans!
SOMETHING OLD
Spectacular performances on the EMF stage never gets old, but you can always count on quality R&B acts gracing the stage and this year is no different. If the spectacular performances of Chaka Kahn, Trey Songz, Mary J. Blige and more aren’t enough maybe the return of the ultimate oldie but goodie – R&B crooner D’Angelo is just the old faithful & soulful sound you’re looking for. I’m looking forward to seeing his performance & if he has any tricks left up his sleeve after his soulful BET Awards performance on Sunday.
SOMETHING NEW
ESSENCE Festival will kick off the inaugural day, Thursday, July 5th, with a first ever Youth Empowerment Concert complete with a full day youth empowerment experience at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, culminating with the first ever youth empowerment concert on the New & Next stage that night at the Louisiana Superdome. The New & Next stage will showcase a a group of young musical tastemakers that totally have scream appeal! Among the group include Roshon Fegan, Kaitlyn Nichol, Coco Jones, Diggy Simmons, Atlanta’s OMG Girlz and New Orleans’ band The Roots of Music.
Sponsored by Verizon, Wal-mart and Captial One, tickets for the Next Stage are available at essencemusicfestival.com
FOR THE SPIRIT
Sunday (July 8th) will be a great day in New Orleans and a rousing finale to the weekend with award winning journalist, author and “NY1 News” anchor Cheryl Wills hosting the festivities as ESSENCE presents a day of praise and worship during an “All-Star Gospel Salute to Mary Mary and Fred Hammond” with Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Marvin Winans, Byron Cage, Israel Houghton and more.
FOR YOUR DO’!
Be prepared for a lot of weave patting & natural do scratching – but no worries, EMF has you covered to keep that do right & tight! From the Motions Style Suite featuring Rihanna’s stylist Ursela Stephens to the Essence Music Festival’s title sponsor My Black is Beautiful. Stop by the My Black is Beautiful booth and experience all that Procter & Gamble is bringing to this year’s festivities, including surprise guests, giveaways and access to notable beauty experts.
See you in New Orleans!
